Mental Nerve Anterior Loop Detection in Panoramic and Cone Beam Computed Tomography Radiograph for Safe Dental Implant Placement

Abstract

Background and aim Different imaging modalities have been used as preoperative assessment tools since the emergence of dental implants. This study aimed to compare the detection and presence of mental nerve anterior loop in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) radiograph and panoramic radiograph. Material and methods A descriptive, retrospective study was done. The optimal sample size was calculated using Epi Info software. According to the study population (795), the sample size was 259 cases which gave 95% power of the study. A previously taken CBCT and digital panoramic radiographs from the database of Taibah University Dental School and Hospital were observed by two trained and calibrated examiners to determine the presence of a mental nerve anterior loop and compare the two modalities. The mean length of the mental nerve anterior loop was also assessed. Results Mental nerve anterior loops were detected bilaterally in 57.1% and 17.4% using CBCT and panoramic radiographs, respectively. In CBCT, the right side (20.8%) had a higher prevalence of mental nerve anterior loop than the left side (12%). The mental nerve anterior loop was not visible in 49.4% of the cases using a panoramic radiograph, while CBCT gave 10% of cases as not visible. The mental nerve anterior loop average length was 1.8 ± 0.35 mm and the width was 1.7 ± 0.28 mm. The average distance from the mental foramen to the inferior border of the mandible was 12.1 ± 0.87 mm and the average distance from the mental frogmen to the mandibular midline was 25.1 ± 0.68 mm. Conclusion As differences between CBCT and panoramic radiographs were statistically significant, CBCT is more accurate and reliable. CBCT is recommended to be used as a preoperative assessment tool to minimize nerve injury-related surgical complications during implant placement at the mandibular premolar area.

Three‐dimensional analysis of mandibular and mental canals corroborating with teeth and mental foramen by cone beam computed tomography

“…Nevertheless, it is hard to ascribe a certain MC pattern to some factors such as gender, age, side and dentate status considering the literature. 4,12,13,15,18,20 Further analysis revealed that the average length, height and depth of the MC were 2.98 ± 0.22 mm, 3.77 ± 0.13 mm and 4.01 ± 0.12 mm, respectively.…”

“…In reviewing the literature above, our understanding of mandibular and mental canals is still incomplete. Currently, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can provide cross‐sectional images with high accuracy and reliability for bony linear measurements and is considered an appropriate tool to assist the diagnostic, preoperative assessment and anatomic analysis 20–22 . Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the clinically relevant 3D anatomical positions of mandibular and mental canals corroborating with teeth and MF as prominent landmarks using CBCT.…”

Multiple Mental Foramina: A Rare Anatomical Variation Detected by Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)

“…However, since the difference in accuracy in identifying the mental foramen between CBCT and panoramic radiography is significant, CBCT is more accurate and reliable. It is recommended that CBCT be used as a preoperative assessment tool to minimize surgical complications related to nerve damage during implant placement in the mandibular premolar and first molar region [ 12 ].…”